How Long Did It Take to Build The Great Pyramid?

The Great Pyramid, or the Great Pyramid of Giza is the most massive and ancient of the set of three pyramids located in the Giza Necropolis in Egypt. Constructed mostly of around 2.3 million limestone blocks that weight twenty five to eighty tons each, the pyramid is considered a major feat of human construction, earning a place as one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Interestingly enough, the Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest structure of the seven, which also includes the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Temple of Artemis and the Mausoleum of Halicanassus.

Seeing as it was the tallest man-made structure for almost four thousand years and that it is composed of massive, heavy blocks, it may come as no surprise that it took about fourteen to twenty years to construct.

Fourteen to twenty years of building was all it took to build the largest and most complete relic of the ancient world that still stands strong thousands of years later in the present day although it was completed in about 2560 B.C.E. Current research also shows that only about 2000 workers were needed to complete the job.

Construction

A feat of strength, the Egyptians cut the rock for the structure by manipulating wet wooden wedges, which would expand and crack the rock that they were wedged into.

Several theories concerning how the pyramid was actually constructed exist. It is generally assumed that slave labor was used but some scholars maintain that the builders were skilled laborers.

Either way, it is unclear whether they dragged, lifted or rolled the blocks into place on the structure. It was once finished in casing stones that allowed for a seamless outer surface, but that has since weathered away and what is seen now of the outside is merely the core structure of the pyramid. It was about 50 stories high upon its completion but its current height is about ten to twenty feet shorter.

The pyramid is also expertly constructed; the base is nearly a perfect square. Each of the four sides of the base have an average error of about 58 millimeters length-wise. The way the Great Pyramid of Giza is structured also suggests that these ancient Egyptians had a number that functioned exactly as our pi. The pyramid stands not only as a testament to human strength, but to intelligence as well. 

Interior Structure

Functioning as more than just the amazing building that it is, there is also a very complex interior as Khufu’s pyramid is the most elaborately constructed pyramid in existence. It contains many passages, chambers and sarcophagi.

Hieroglyphics telling of ancient Egypt and the religion of these people ornate the walls and the design even includes weight-relieving chambers that ensure that the King’s burial chamber doesn’t collapse.  Several air shafts and passageways exist, and it is thought that this was intended as a means for Khufu’s spirit to escape the structure and make way to the afterworld.

Surrounding the pyramids were many buildings and temples, and of course the two other major pyramids in the area. The famous Great Sphinx of Egypt is also located in the Giza Necropolis.

Admired since its construction, the great pyramid represents not only the ancient world and ancient Egypt, but human strength and cleverness.